BOSTON — Rookie Steven Kampfer, who has been out several weeks with a knee injury suffered during a conditioning assignment with the Bruins’ Providence (AHL) farm club, joined Boston for its light practice today at the TD Garden.

It was the first time he skated with his teammates, as he only started skating on his own yesterday. However, head coach Claude Julien said Kampfer’s “not close” to returning and the defenseman said he still had to meet with the doctors to determine when he’ll be cleared for more than just “flow drills.”

Kampfer’s return in the next round or the one after could be a boost to the Bruins, who are currently without Adam McQuaid because of a sprained neck. McQuaid did not practice today and after practice Julien offered this update.

“He’s definitely getting better. We’re still saying day-to-day, but there’s improvement there with him,” said Julien. “We’re getting very optimistic that things are going to happen quicker than later. Right now, we’re just keeping our fingers crossed. He seems to be doing better. Hopefully we’ll have better news here in the next few days.”

McQuaid was injured in the first period of Game 2 Monday and did not play last night in Game 3.

Yeah, McQuaid is needed big-time. Hnidy or Kampfer won’t get it done for us. Well, maybe if they log like 3 minutes as Hnidy did in Game 3, but who doesn’t want to be able to roll 6 D as we hopefully move deeper into these playoffs.

Ancienne-Lorette is listed as his birthplace at Hockeydb. It is a suburb of QC. He may be fiercely loyal to his area even if there is no hospital there. Rob Ramage lists Byron as his birth place and he’s quite serious. People from London get a good laugh. Bergeron-Cleary is Patrice’s full name. French-Irish is a pretty good combination for a hockey player.

If Bergeron carries over to the regular season the sort of intensity and willingness to hit that he has shown in the playoffs, his career is only just beginning. What a talent that guy is… just a hard worker who will win 9 out of 10 battles along the boards and consistently make smart plays. That’s the kind of leader you want- a guy who does it all, and does it well with a devoted work ethic.